In so many words

What does the phrase "in so many words" mean

by innuendo

I have always heard "in so many words" as having the sense of "exactly, explicity, without the least vagueness." Evidently this is what the editors of the OED think, as well: "b. in so many words (tr. L. totidem verbis, cf. So 37d): lit. in precisely that number of words; in those very words; also, {dagger}word for word." SS

So let's have an example, made up, of course. Helen: So Roger proposed last night? Joan: Well, not in so many words. More by implication. H: He proposed by innuendo? And you accepted by hint? SS